Palace of St. Michael and St. George (Palea Anaktora), also known as the Royal Palace, is the largest monument of British rule on the island of Corfu. A huge architectural complex was built in the years 1819-1824 as the residence of Sir Thomas Maitland (British High Commissioner, the Governor of the Ionian Islands). The palace also housed the Ionian Senate and the headquarters of the Order of St Michael and St George - British order of chivalry founded in 1818. The palace was designed by the British engineer Colonel Sir George Whitmore in ancient Roman style and is made of Maltese limestone.

The three-storey building has a massive facade, which is decorated with Doric columns. On the sides are two symmetrical wings, made in the form of indoor galleries. One of the galleries is named in honor of St. George, leading to the Venetian harbor. The second part, named in honor of St. Michael goes to the palace park. Before the main entrance to the square is a bronze monument to Frederick Adams, who was governor of the Ionian Islands in the years 1824-1831. The palace complex is surrounded by beautiful gardens with ponds and lush vegetation.

After the British left Corfu in 1864, the palace while the royal family lived in Greece. Then the building was abandoned, and a beautiful architectural ensemble fell into disrepair. During World War II the building miraculously survived the bombardment Italian town of Corfu. In the 50s of the 20th century on the initiative of the British Ambassador in Greece, the palace was restored. Also, capital restoration was carried out in 1992-1994.

Today in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George's is the Museum of Asian Art. The basis of the collection consists of 10,000 pieces that have been collected diplomat G. Manos (born in Corfu) during his travels to China, Japan, India and other countries. Also here is the archive of the Ionian Senate, the Inspectorate of classical antiquity and the public library with a collection of over 60,000 volumes of both Greek and foreign books. In the chateau park is "Art Cafe", which houses an art gallery. It regularly hosts exhibitions of Greek and foreign artists.

Palace of St. Michael and St. George's is a historic heritage and an important architectural monument. The palace is also used as a venue for official diplomatic events. In 1994, the EU summit held here, and in 2002 - a meeting of the Board of the UNESCO World Heritage.